Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 145037 Inspection date 30 June 2005 Inspector Charlotte Jenkin

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992 and lives with her husband and two daughters aged 16 and 18 years and their West Highland terrier, in Market Lavington. Only the ground floor is used for childminding except for the toilet and a baby sleeping upstairs. There is an enclosed back garden. Her husband may occasionally act as an assistant and he may, with parents agreement, have sole care of the children for short periods.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is a member of the Market Lavington childminding group and regularly takes children to the toddler group and to soft play. She uses her car for childminding and may be able to take and collect children from local pre-schools and primary schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene, for example washing their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. This is re-enforced by the childminder, who practises good hygiene routines with the children. Children are cared for in clean premises and the toys and equipment they use are regularly cleaned. Children are safe in the event of an accident, due to the childminder's good knowledge of first aid. There welfare is maintained when taking medication due to accurate records being kept, and sharing of information with parents. Children are not at risk from the family pet, who is often out of the children's way, or supervised when around the children. Children have access to drinks at all times, and the childminder encourages younger children to drink regularly. Children do not, therefore, become thirsty. Children are not at risk from foods, as the childminder stores their packed lunches appropriately in the

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Helping children to be healthy

refrigerator Children contentedly eat fruit for snack, and begin to make healthy choices, for example requesting apple to eat. Older children learn about the importance of healthy eating through practical activities involving cutting out pictures of foods that are good for them, and those that should be limited. Children have access to physical activity daily and there are a good range of toys and equipment that promote their physical skills. Children develop a positive attitude towards physical exercise and request to go out in the garden, which the childminder responds well to. Children develop good physical skills appropriate to their age, with the childminder encouraging children's development, for example helping the baby cruise around and jump on the trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and well organised environment, with plenty of space to move around and play. Children have access to an excellent range of toys and equipment that promote their development in all areas. These are stored in low level boxes and children confidently explore them and make choices in their play. Children are cared for in a safe environment which is free from hazards. This is due to the childminder prioritising children's safety and ensuring her home is free from risks. Children, therefore, move around the premises freely and in confidence. Children are well supervised both in the home, and when on outings. They learn

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 about the importance of keeping themselves safe, as the childminder teaches them about road safety when out walking. Older children learn about keeping safe in the event of a fire, through practising the evacuation plan. This is not fully developed, and does not include time taken to evacuate the building. Children's welfare is highly likely to be safeguarded, due to the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection issues. Her duties regarding this, are well shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and confident in the childminder's care and are eager to explore the activities on offer. They confidently attempt to communicate with the childminder, and she responds well to this, encouraging children to make meaning and develop their language skills. Children are very secure in the childminder's care and have plenty of attention from her, as she spends lots of time playing and talking with them, responding well to their requests for play. Children engage in various activities that help promote their development in all areas. Children happily take part in drawing and sticking activities, as well as role play, for example pretending to cook. They also take part in various activities that are linked to their home life, for example growing plants and cooking pizzas. They sing to themselves during play, showing they are comfortable and relaxed in the environment. Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of the Birth to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

threes framework, and develop good relationships with peers and the childminder, and develop good levels of confidence. They are proud of their creations, and are able to display these and share them with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop good independence and begin to make choices, for example in their play and at snack time, which the childminder encourages. They have regular opportunities to socialise with others, through regular attendance at local groups, which ensures they become part of the wider community. Children form positive relationships with peers and the childminder, and develop a sense of belonging. Children's individual needs are well met, as the childminder respects children's individuality and implements their routines into her day. Children have access to a wide range of resources that promote positive images of diversity, and teach children about the wider world around them. Children are very well behaved and their behaviour is managed very sensitively and line with parents wishes. They benefit from the childminder's use of age appropriate methods and her consistent approach, as well as her positive role modelling and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

respectfulness to the children. Children, therefore, show concern for others, for example helping younger children in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children benefit from the good partnership with parents. They are cared for consistently in line with care received at home, and their routines are respected and catered for very well. This is due to the childminder liaising very closely with parents regarding the care of their children and respecting their wishes fully. Children are able to feel proud of their achievements and share their creations with their parents, by displaying them or taking them home. The childminder has good relationships with parents and talks to them daily about their children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides very well. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to attending training and updating her knowledge and skills in childcare. She has attended, and continues to attend training, for example Junk to Joy and counselling, and is a suitable and very experienced childminder. Good adult to child ratios mean children feel confident in her care, as she is able to spend time playing and talking to them. Children are happy in the well organised environment and confidently explore the activities on offer. The childminder's policies and procedures are all in place, and her implementation of these mean children's welfare, care and learning is promoted well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure children's existing injuries are recorded, and ensure confidentiality in maintained when recording behavioural incidents. She also agreed to ensure the emergency evacuation plan is in place and that it's effectiveness is monitored. The childminder now records children's existing injuries and this helps to ensure their welfare is safeguarded. No behavioural incidents have needed to be recorded, although the childminder is very aware of the importance of confidentiality. The emergency evacuation plan is now in place and is regularly practised with the children, although time taken to evacuate the building is not recorded, and therefore it's effectiveness is not monitored fully.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Further develop the evacuation plan to include time taken to evacuate the building, to ensure children's safety in the event of a fire.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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